By CESAR JOLITO III

A mysterious glowing object seen drifting across the afternoon sky on Saturday, January 3, caused excitement and speculation among residents, with many initially believing they had witnessed a rare meteorite.

Authorities later clarified that the spectacle was not a celestial event but an emergency parachute flare.

The object was spotted at 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, prompting residents from several barangays to take photos and videos that quickly circulated on social media.

Online posts described a fiery light descending slowly from the clouds, fueling claims that it was a meteorite or other astronomical phenomenon.

The unusual sighting drew added attention because of the cultural meaning attached to a meteorite or “bulalakaw,” a term deeply rooted in Filipino folklore and often associated with omens, spirits or messages from the heavens.

As the images spread, public curiosity grew, with some residents expressing both awe and concern.

However, the Valencia police, under officer-in-charge Police Captain Donicko Angeles, immediately coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to investigate the incident.

Findings

Authorities conducted a ground inspection in the reported landing area and recovered remnants of the object.

Based on their findings, officials confirmed that the glowing object was a parachute flare, a pyrotechnic device commonly used as a distress signal.

Such flares emit intense light while descending slowly with the aid of a small parachute, making them highly visible over long distances.

They are widely used in marine and emergency situations and typically burn for several seconds.

In a joint statement, the Valencia police and BFP urged the public to exercise caution in sharing unverified information online.

“Unconfirmed reports can quickly create unnecessary fear and confusion,” the police said.

“We encourage residents to rely on official statements and verified sources, especially during unusual incidents,” it added.

Residents welcomed the clarification, with many expressing relief after learning there was no danger.

Authorities said they are still determining how and where the flare was deployed, noting that no related emergency incidents have so far been reported.

The municipal police appealed to anyone with information that could help trace the source of the flare to coordinate with them./CJ, WDJ